AMES, Iowa – The Iowa 4-H Youth Council plans to “Ignite The Flame” at its annual conference June 24-26 on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus. 

Although the theme coordinates with the Beijing, China, Olympics this year,  "we decided we liked the idea of igniting the flame within yourself and getting your fire going,” said conference co-chair and state 4-H council member Amy Peyton.

The Iowa 4-H Youth Conference is one of the largest youth-led 4-H conferences in the nation, drawing nearly 1,000 4-H'ers and non 4-H'ers every year for workshops, motivational speakers, service projects, games and dances. Although the conference format often stays the same from year to year, the theme, speakers and content of the workshops change to give the event new flavor.

 Workshops will cater to a variety of interests from shopping tips and athletic training to campfire cooking and farming and are scheduled for every day of the conference.

“We have a lot of fun workshops on everything from getting into college to dancing for stress relief,” said Kourtney Determan, conference co-chair. “Mainly though, the conference is a great opportunity to make new friends and take three days out of the summer to get out and have fun.”

Meeting new people and having a positive experience are both aspects of the conference the council hopes participants will take away with them, Determan said.

“Our goal is that they have a good time and feel involved,” Peyton said. “If they do, they are going to remember and take things they’ve learned and use them again. Our conference is planned by youth for youth to enjoy.”

Youth with a specific interest in animal science or crop production can register for one of two special tracks -- Round-up or CSI: Crops.

For more information about the 2008 conference or to register, contact the local county office of ISU Extension. Information also is available online at

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